2013 brought big names | What does 2014 hold?

Matthew Tessnear

Monday

Dec 23, 2013 at 12:01 AMDec 23, 2013 at 10:21 AM

2013 brought coffee, pets and accessories, consumer convenience, home goods and more doughnuts to Cleveland County in the form of big-name companies. So what were some of the high points in retail business in 2013, and what might 2014 hold?

2013 brought coffee, pets and accessories, consumer convenience, home goods and more doughnuts to Cleveland County in the form of big-name companies.

It also ushered through common changes in the local retail market – new small business openings, business closures and the movement of various companies from one place to another.

Throughout the year, several of Cleveland County’s leaders – including Chamber officials, new County Manager Jeff Richardson among them – told The Star that retail business development is a priority for local development.

Those leaders also related the importance of retail to the community’s continued development and economic recovery – both through business and residents.

So what were some of the high points in retail business in 2013, and what might 2014 hold? Here’s a look into the past and a glimpse in the crystal ball of the coming year.

This year’s big openings

Marshalls

The discount clothier and home merchandiser brought 60-some jobs to the county when it opened in October. It instantly became one of the anchor stores in Cleveland Mall.

Starbucks

The global coffee giant brought its first presence in Cleveland County to the Ingles on Shelby Road in Kings Mountain in August.

Dunkin Donuts

The doughnut and coffee specialty company brought its second store to the county mid-year. The business increased consumer traffic along Earl Road and Dixon Boulevard as Dunkin opened next to Cook-Out. Since the store’s opening, changes to franchising at the other Dunkin on Marion Street may also mean a change in how many doughnut shops operate locally. Company officials have not officially confirmed long-term plans for that doughnut shop.

7-Eleven

Just this month, the worldwide convenience store giant announced its plans to renovate an existing store building at Marion Street and Post Road in Shelby.

PetSmart

The big-name pet retailer opened its doors in May, bringing competition for several locally owned pet shops.

Walmart

The international chain announced late in the year it will open a "neighborhood market" in Kings Mountain, bringing up to 95 jobs with it.

What’s coming next year?

sweetFrog?

The frozen yogurt company announced plans in early summer to locate a store in the former El Titanic restaurant building along Dixon Boulevard just east of Kmart. But company officials later told The Star development on the project was delayed. Changes to the building have progressed, but not to the point of the shop opening.

Sagebrush replacement?

Sagebrush sustained significant damage in a March fire, and company officials later told The Star it was questionable whether there would be repairs or a reopening in the same building. The facility is still vacant, but several readers have asked The Star in recent weeks about the possibility of a Texas Roadhouse opening in the building. The company told The Star: There are no current plans, but it’s never out of the question.

Hobby Lobby?

City of Shelby planning officials have told The Star multiple times this year that they haven’t heard from the company of any officials plans for a location in town. But like the Sagebrush location, readers have constantly asked The Star this year about hearing the company had plans for a store. Also like Sagebrush, the company did not confirm plans for an opening, but spokesmen also didn’t rule out the possibility.

Resort impacts?

Cleveland County continues to await progress on a Catawba Indian Nation application to the US Department of the Interior and Bureau of Indian Affairs for approval to ultimately develop a resort and casino in the Kings Mountain area. Officials have said that a resort and casino could lead to an estimated 4,000 new jobs, based on economic impact studies, and that the approval of a resort would mean the attraction of various other nearby businesses. The state’s only current casino, Harrah’s Cherokee, has a Ruth’s Chris steakhouse and Johnny Rockets nearby, for example. There’s no current exact timetable for when the application for the resort would be approved and when development would begin if approved.

Hotel help?

A new 86-room Hampton Inn & Suites is under construction behind the Holiday Inn Express on Dixon Boulevard near Cleveland Mall. The hotel targets improved facilities to handle tourism such as the American Legion World Series. Could a new hotel lead to future retail development in an area that already includes the mall, a McDonalds, a Denny’s, a Zaxby’s and more?

What would you like to see in Cleveland County in 2014?

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